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The Harbinger
In the middle of a hot, stormy New England summer, a harbinger of death has arrived.
When George Rockwell first saw the raven as a boy, tragedy followed. As a result, George spent most of his life indulging in self-destructive behaviors that nearly ruined him. Now George is an adult who seems to have everything going for good looks, a successful career, a beautiful wife, and a baby on the way. Things are nearly perfect until one day a raven perches on the hedge outside George’s home.
The raven is back, and George must try to find a way to keep history from repeating. Will he be able to fight off personal demons and hold on to his sanity as dark family secrets and unspeakable acts are revealed?
When George Rockwell first saw the raven as a boy, tragedy followed. As a result, George spent most of his life indulging in self-destructive behaviors that nearly ruined him. Now George is an adult who seems to have everything going for good looks, a successful career, a beautiful wife, and a baby on the way. Things are nearly perfect until one day a raven perches on the hedge outside George’s home.
The raven is back, and George must try to find a way to keep history from repeating. Will he be able to fight off personal demons and hold on to his sanity as dark family secrets and unspeakable acts are revealed?
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2024
5 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 2, 2024
A twisting descent into madness and chaos!
July 17, 2024
Well, this was a treat!
I knew Ms. Rolinatis from her flash fiction entries, so I knew full well what she was capable of, but this was so much more than my already sky-high hopes could have anticipated!
While much longer than a flash story, this is a neat, little tale that took me back to the same feelings I'd get watching old Twilight Zone episodes. It was dark, creepy & didn't sacrifice the pace to build up the dread. I can honestly say I ate it up in one sitting.
I won't spoil the story as it's much more fun to watch it unfold, (or should that be unravel?) but rest assured, it hit all the right beats for me. Actually, I will say I did enjoy the protagonist. No, not liked, enjoyed. It was refreshing to see a total *insert derogatory term here* go through what they did. It's noted how amazing the cover is & it's true, it's stunning. But beneath that cover is a story that complements it perfectly.
Highly recommended.
I knew Ms. Rolinatis from her flash fiction entries, so I knew full well what she was capable of, but this was so much more than my already sky-high hopes could have anticipated!
While much longer than a flash story, this is a neat, little tale that took me back to the same feelings I'd get watching old Twilight Zone episodes. It was dark, creepy & didn't sacrifice the pace to build up the dread. I can honestly say I ate it up in one sitting.
I won't spoil the story as it's much more fun to watch it unfold, (or should that be unravel?) but rest assured, it hit all the right beats for me. Actually, I will say I did enjoy the protagonist. No, not liked, enjoyed. It was refreshing to see a total *insert derogatory term here* go through what they did. It's noted how amazing the cover is & it's true, it's stunning. But beneath that cover is a story that complements it perfectly.
Highly recommended.
August 11, 2024
A fantastic debut offering from Rolinatas, The Harbinger caught my attention from the outset. From its heartbreaking prologue to the final few sentences, I was captivated by George and the ill-fated Rockwell family.
More please!
More please!
August 6, 2024
Great friggin cover. A story of Madness
July 4, 2024
Kyle Rolinatis' 'The Harbinger,' inspired by the gorgeous cover by Ruth Anna Evans, offers a story one can safely invest in and enjoy to the end with no chance of disappointment. The prose is crystal clear, the pacing proper to each situation; however, what stands out in this short novella is Kyle Rolinatis' compassion for her utterly flawed and unlikeable main character, George, who's struggling both with the supernatural curse set upon his family ages ago, and the natural pressures of addiction, infidelity, and selfishness. George is a complex character, rarely deceiving himself about his problems, but he's incapable of sharing or showing the kind of empathy a true relationship requires. Several times he declares his love to his wife, yet he's a disaster waiting to happen - and, boy, does it happen!
Mostly symbolic of George's inevitable spiraling (though not at all exclusively symbolic, since this is a horror story, no doubt about it) stands The Raven ("Not a crow!", as George would surely say), around which everything bad happens. But is it on account of this cursed bird that George and his family suffer? His family, certainly: the raven has been present for all their misfortunes, often causing them. George, however? Is it solely the raven's fault he can't avoid disaster? Well, that's up to the reader to decide.
With 'The Harbinger,' Rolinatis paints a magnificent picture of a man's ultimate fight against himself, a troubled mind placed right in the middle of a series of supernatural events which reveal more and more of his true nature. It's both riveting and heart-breaking to watch. Prepare to be charmed by the author's prose and horrified by her protagonist!
Mostly symbolic of George's inevitable spiraling (though not at all exclusively symbolic, since this is a horror story, no doubt about it) stands The Raven ("Not a crow!", as George would surely say), around which everything bad happens. But is it on account of this cursed bird that George and his family suffer? His family, certainly: the raven has been present for all their misfortunes, often causing them. George, however? Is it solely the raven's fault he can't avoid disaster? Well, that's up to the reader to decide.
With 'The Harbinger,' Rolinatis paints a magnificent picture of a man's ultimate fight against himself, a troubled mind placed right in the middle of a series of supernatural events which reveal more and more of his true nature. It's both riveting and heart-breaking to watch. Prepare to be charmed by the author's prose and horrified by her protagonist!
July 31, 2024
The Harbinger is a great novella that introduces George, a family curse brought forth by a raven, and a lot of misfortune.
George is a deeply flawed character, which I always love to see (makes it more real), and is a perfect protagonist for a Poe-like story where it is unclear if it is a supernatural curse or a descent into madness. Both are equally possible.
The story is really fast paced, with so many shocking moments that I lost track. There are elements of classic gothic horror with a modern punch that works really well.
The only downside, and the reason I have given 4 stars instead of 5 is that I wanted more. There was an entire subplot with the grandfather that I wanted to know so much more about, and I think the curse origins could have been explored more. However, this book is a great read and I hope there will be more!
George is a deeply flawed character, which I always love to see (makes it more real), and is a perfect protagonist for a Poe-like story where it is unclear if it is a supernatural curse or a descent into madness. Both are equally possible.
The story is really fast paced, with so many shocking moments that I lost track. There are elements of classic gothic horror with a modern punch that works really well.
The only downside, and the reason I have given 4 stars instead of 5 is that I wanted more. There was an entire subplot with the grandfather that I wanted to know so much more about, and I think the curse origins could have been explored more. However, this book is a great read and I hope there will be more!
January 6, 2025
I’m from Rhode Island, of course I love a horror book set in New England. 💁🏻♀️
This is another book/author which came highly recommended and was sitting on my TBR for a while that I’m glad I finally got to. This story was really good! I love a book revolving around curses/legends… then sprinkle in a whole lot of family baggage and secrets. 😳
The premise and plot were executed wonderfully. The atmosphere was spooky and super creepy. The characters were done REALLY well. It was a whole vibe that I’m totally here for, and I will absolutely be reading more by her. 🤌🏼
This was one that I binge-read all in one sitting because I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. Definitely recommend it, and it’s available on KU! 🫶🏼
June 25, 2024
This was my first book by Kyle Rolonatis. She definitely packed a punch with this novella, crafting a story with a complex, flawed protagonist, George. I found him to be both empathetic and unlikable at the same time. As he struggled with the appearance the raven, his behavior became increasingly erratic as he desperately tried to protect his family from a seemingly real threat. The ending was powerful and perfectly fit the story.
July 4, 2024
For me, this book went from 0 to 60 in less than a minute. What an outstanding debut novella by Kyle Rolinatis! I found myself feeling so many emotions. I felt sorry for the MC, George, while disliking him at the same time. I highly recommend this book! You won’t regret it. So pick it up on July 31 and accompany George on his descent into madness all because of a raven. Highly rate this book 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛
I will continue to read Kyle’s future books!
I will continue to read Kyle’s future books!
July 28, 2024
It's an incredible debut! It's a short read full of a heavy mood. The references to The Raven by Poe definetly adds to the paranoia that everyone feels. It's a gothic horror that follows George, a flawed man who is full of grief. I loved the use of German superstion in this, and how much it affected George in his mental state. The cover was designed by the amazing Ruth Anna Evans.
July 23, 2024
Wow, this story took me on a roller-coaster! I loved it.
July 21, 2024
A quick yet enthralling read, this book was extremely creepy. It’s very atmospheric and horrific as well, so it’s perfect for the upcoming spooky season. I love short horror novellas- they are just plain creepier than full length novels.
July 8, 2024
I was hooked on this story before the first chapter even ended! It's dark and tense. You will both sympathize and hate George as the story progresses and you learn more about the generational curse and the significance of the raven within. It's beautifully written with prose and imagery that far surpasses the gorgeous cover. I loved it.
July 6, 2024
I inhaled the Harbinger by Kyle Rolinatis this afternoon. This is a quick read and momentum is kept going from the very start.
George is a very unfortunate human who suffers a multitude of loss, trauma and despair. But did I feel for him at all by the end, nope not one bit.
I hope it's entered into the short smack competition.
George is a very unfortunate human who suffers a multitude of loss, trauma and despair. But did I feel for him at all by the end, nope not one bit.
I hope it's entered into the short smack competition.
June 29, 2024
Great story. Pace was on point and the length was perfect for a quick, but powerful read. This was my first novella from this author and I’m excited to see more in the future.
George is so easy to hate but his character was interesting. I couldn’t look away. Watching him become more and more unhinged as he encounters the raven moved the plot nicely.
George is so easy to hate but his character was interesting. I couldn’t look away. Watching him become more and more unhinged as he encounters the raven moved the plot nicely.
June 26, 2024
The book was riveting from start to finish, with a complex main character in George who drew me in with his multifaceted personality. The storyline had moments that were hauntingly vivid, making me feel invested in the narrative. I gave the book a 5-star rating due to the author's ability to create a cinematic experience with their writing, making me feel as though I was there with the characters through every twist and turn.
August 14, 2024
Got home from work, lay down with my stinky dog and started The Harbinger by Kyle Rolinatis. I read for about an hour, stopped, then went back and finished it.
First, I loved this little novella. Young George accidentally releases what he thinks is a trapped bird. And tragedy follows in its wake.
I generally have 5 or 6 reads going at once, so its not very often I start and finish anything in one day, regardless of length. It also turned out to be a 5 star read.
That being said, I have to say, I absolutely LOATH our MC. I don't think I was supposed to. But I did. If it wasn't for the innocent bystanders I would have been rooting for the bird the whole time.
First, I loved this little novella. Young George accidentally releases what he thinks is a trapped bird. And tragedy follows in its wake.
I generally have 5 or 6 reads going at once, so its not very often I start and finish anything in one day, regardless of length. It also turned out to be a 5 star read.
That being said, I have to say, I absolutely LOATH our MC. I don't think I was supposed to. But I did. If it wasn't for the innocent bystanders I would have been rooting for the bird the whole time.
June 29, 2024
A quick paced story, this one had me questioning the reliability of not just one man, but an entire generation. I'm not even sure if it was supposed to be a straightforward tale of a cursed family, but my brain worked it's magic to wonder if maybe this curse was just a generational decent into madness.
I'm probably reading more into it, but either way you want to view this story, those few pages really get to you.
Read if you like: fast-paced horror, decent into madness, crows vs raven discussions
I'm probably reading more into it, but either way you want to view this story, those few pages really get to you.
Read if you like: fast-paced horror, decent into madness, crows vs raven discussions
June 25, 2024
A must read..prepare to finish this in one sitting! Well written, suspenseful, with a build up right to the very end! The characters are relatable and you quickly feel connected to them. I thoroughly enjoyed The Harbinger!
August 14, 2024
Love this debut novella!!! The main characters descent into madness was like a train wreck and I just couldn’t look away! and love a good bleak ending!! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
August 23, 2024
A fun horror novella with an intriguing opening followed by an abrupt, unexpected atrocity. I really struggled with the dialogue feeling nonrealistic, and I was hoping for more literary prose.
October 2, 2024
Great debut novella!!!
December 27, 2024
This novella was fine, but I felt like the dialogue read poorly. Some parts of the story itself had plenty of detail and some suffered pretty badly from a lack of detail. It was interesting enough to finish either way.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews